Lassieur, Allison. Cyber Spies and Secret Agents of Modern Times.

Lassieur, Allison. Cyber Spies and Secret Agents of Modern Times. Capstone Publishers  2017     64p   $33.99  ISBN 978-0-7565-5498-9 elem/ms  Nonfiction  E-BN          

Even in modern times, spies play a key role in the "sharing" of classified information (legitimately or illegitimately) between nations, organizations and individuals. Today many of the spies have been from Russia and "hide in plain sight" or disenchanted Americans such as Edward Snowden. The emphasis of this book is not so much on the HUMINT (human intelligence gathering) but on the variety of people and tools used in cyber spying.
     

From the black-framed pages and the redacted table of contents, to the font and information related, this book is an engaging read about a topic that is little explored at the upper-elementary and middle-school levels. While most adults are aware of of the clandestine side of computer spying and hacking, many students today are less than aware of the "intelligence" aspects of cyber spying. Readers of this book will learn not just about the spies but also about the tools of the trade. The cover image is sure to grab middle-school readers. All of the photos in the book are rendered in shades of black, white and sepia, further enhancing the secretive and sinister aspects of spying. Sidebars throughout the book explain spying techniques and “Did you know?” items such as a lack of powers to arrest (page 23) and the NROL-71 spy satellite (page 57). There are also text boxes that tackle myths about a spy’s life, and "Q & A" sections throughout the book with questions such as: “Do I have to speak several foreign languages?” (pg. 25) and “I can’t wait to get all the spy gadgets. I do get gadgets, don’t I?”

The book concludes with a timeline, a glossary, a list of additional resources (print and web), a list of critical thinking/common core resources, sources notes, a bibliography, and an index. 

This series entitled Spies! is complete in four volumes covering spies during specific periods of time: World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and modern times. This is a most fascinating set of books.   

Summary: Even in modern times, spies play a key role in the "sharing" of classified information (legitimately or illegitimately) between nations, organizations and individuals.

Spies                                                                   --Lynn Fisher

Mitchell, Susan K. Spy Tech - Digital Dangers

Mitchell, Susan K.      Spy Tech - Digital Dangers     

Enslow      2011  48p   23.93 978-0-7660-3712-0 

 elem  VG-BNe             

    This book discusses the world of digital dangers that spies would encounter when working with such tools as lasers, robots, drones, computer software, satellites, etc.      

    The content choice for this book was nicely chosen for young readers. It contained information that was interesting and not commonly found in other books on this topic.
  This text is clearly written and fully illustrated with an easy to read style. The inclusion of where to obtain more information on the Internet, career information, bibliography, web sites,  and an index make this a useful research tool.
     After the importance of an informative text, the most supportive factor of this book is visual appeal to young readers.  The layout of the various pages is diversified and well balanced between text and color photographs so that concepts are grouped together.  The flow and balance of both the text and visuals are integrated to present a very stimulating book for both young and reluctant readers.
The use of various background colors and distinctive boxes to highlight different topics are quite effective.
     The flow and balance of both the text and full color visuals are integrated to present a very stimulating book for both young and reluctant readers.  Secret World of Spies (Enslow)      This book is one in the  Secret World of Spies (Enslow).  The series consists of __6_ books at this time. The general theme of the series is __spying____.    Linda McNeil

 

Mitchell, Susan K. Spy Gizmos and Gadgets

Mitchell, Susan K.      Spy Gizmos and Gadgets  

 Enslow      2011  48p   23.93 978-0-7660-3710-6 

 elm/ms      E-BNes            

    Tools of the spy trade from invisible ink to cameras, listening devices to passing information along are introduced in this volume.  A variety of tools are explained with specific examples of their use by spies.  Grades 3-6.   How do spies gather their information?  This text will explain some of the ways spies collect information with specific examples involving real spies.  It covers invisible ink, cameras, listening devices, and how to pass along the information.  A section on careers working with or designing these amazing gadgets is included. 
The glossary is minimal.  Places to find out more information is much more complete with six books and three web sites.  The index is simple but adequate for the text.
The illustrations are mostly photographs which are well placed within the text to elucidate the text without interrupting it.  Interspersed as background graphics are footprints and fingerprints.
This volume will attract readers who are interested in spies and spy gadgets in grades 3-6.     Secret World of Spies (Enslow)    There are five titles in the Secret World of Spies series.  Each deals with one aspect of the life and work of a spy.  The series also emphasizes career connections.  Spies and spying  Joan Theal

 

Mitchell, Susan K. Spy Codes and Ciphers

Mitchell, Susan K.      Spy Codes and Ciphers   

 Enslow      2011  48p   23.93 978-0-7660-3709-0 

 elem  VG-BNe            

   An elementary introduction to the science and stories behind cryptography. With the use of sidebars, illustrations and text, this book introduces the reader to the world of secret communication. Chapters pick up on the historical and social highpoints: cipher wheels and codes, morse code and polybius squares, the enigma machine, Navajocode talkers, and today’s world of hacking computers. “Secret facts” are found throughout the book illustrating topics such as broadcasting codes during WWII (page 36) and navy signal lamps still in use (page 20). The vibrant use of color throughout emphasizes important information. The book concludes with a glossary, “find out more” and an index.       

Secret World of Spies (Enslow)      Six titles complete this series which would be a welcome addition to any elementary,  middle school or public library.      Cryptography      LynFisher

The Real Spy’s Guide To Becoming A Spy.

Earnest, Peter and Suzanne Harper. The Real Spy’s Guide To Becoming A Spy.
Abrams, Harry 2009 144p 16.95 978-0-8109-8329-8 elm/ms Geared to the kid who has a real interest in becoming a spy--Q & A format debunks myths they’ve picked up from the movies. One of the authors worked for the CIA and started the Spy Museum in D. C. It is well written and will grab the attention of students who have an interest in the subject. Illustrations and asides are sprinkled throughout and serve to heighten interest without distracting from the text. There are two appendices and an index. Kennedy, Carol